Mum's tributes to happy schoolboy who died in tragedy in his own home

A MOTHER has paid tribute to her happy 'joker' son after he died in a suspected choking accident at their home.

The Herald incorrectly reported on Saturday that 11-year-old George Hearne was found hanged at his home in Rydal Close, Estover, last Sunday.

Members of the little boy's family have said the tragedy appears to have been caused as George was playing and there was no suggestion he had been found hanged. He was, in fact, found lying on the floor next to his bed. They believe a belt found around his neck must have tightened as he was playing and he was unable to call for help.

George's mother, Emma, described her son as a happy child. She added: "He was a bit of a whirlwind and a joker. He has left a big hole in our family home."

Emma is being comforted by her husband, Peter, at their home in Estover as well as by her former partner Colin Hearne and his wife Tracy, who live in Plymstock. George leaves four brothers and sisters including Charlie, four, Molly, 12, and Sam, 18.

An inquest has been opened and adjourned. A statement from Coroner Ian Arrow reported how paramedics arrived at George's home shortly after 6pm. It is understood George died after his airway was restricted by the belt and he stopped breathing. He was taken to Derriford Hospital but was pronounced dead later that evening.

A member of George's family has described how he was found next to his bed by his mother, Emma Williams. Mrs Williams, 37, tried to revive George while the ambulance was called.

The coroner said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

George was a pupil at Leigham Primary School. Headteacher Jane Bellamy said: "We were all extremely shocked and deeply saddened at the tragic death of George.

"During his four years at the school George was a great friend to his classmates.

"He liked to make people laugh and he gave us all much joy and fun. George was involved in many areas of the school and he was a very considerate and conscientious Key Stage 2 Play Leader. He took part in a number of clubs, particularly sporting clubs and his cover drive in cricket was Bothamesque. He could also shoot a mean basket at basketball and netball.

"George was also a talented singer and the Year 6 will miss him in their end-of-school production.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to George's family on behalf of the entire community. We have spoken with George's classmates and the other children at the school, as well as writing to inform parents of the extremely sad news. We are working closely with counselling services to support those pupils and staff who knew George and who are affected by this tragic passing of such a young man."

A full inquest is expected to take place next year.

THE HERALD APOLOGISESTHE plain fact is The Herald got it wrong.On Saturday we reported that 11-year-old George Hearne was found hanged – that was not true and we apologise for the distress this has caused his family.George died after he was found with a belt around his neck at his home. However, he was not found hanged.It was not an intentional error – our team works hard to make sure we get the facts straight but on this occasion we made a mistake by using the word hanged. It was an error which added to the considerable distress of George’s family, who were trying to come to terms with a tragic death.This newspaper prides itself on being a champion for this city. Every day we fight for Plymouth and its people. We strive for truth and hold power to account. To do that we must hold up our hands and admit our own mistakes. We are truly sorry for this error.